Change Has Got to Come

From his mother’s womb, John was born to serve, and he never stopped serving. His service manifested itself formally as a Councilmember, mentorships, advocacy on behalf of many, and connecting people in numerous ways and settings. He was a public servant in every sense of the term.

His commitment to service rested on a foundation of championing and representing the voiceless and less fortunate; bridging surface level differences to find common ground and win-win scenarios; seeking justice in all forms; providing a seat at the table of opportunity for everyone; knowing the history that brought us to the moment; sensitivity to challenges faced by others; and understanding power and leverage. He knew that realizing the goals of that foundation required change.

He understood the dynamics of change – particularly that change is never easy, never fast, and must often overcome entrenched interests that benefit from the status quo. With that understanding, he developed an approach to achieving change. John’s slogan “One Pasadena” provides a galvanizing starting point and guiding principle. That slogan means that opportunities and outcomes for Pasadena residents should not depend on zip code. As a city and as individuals, we should want and expect the best for everyone. John conducted his life with urgency.

An essential element to successful change is getting the interpersonal component right. Often, that interpersonal component involves raising uncomfortable topics and having tough conversations. Tough conversations are frequently the starting point to change. At all times, that interpersonal component includes enlisting allies as well as your foes, working together, and remembering that we are more alike than not.

That approach begins with identifying a goal, which may or may not be obvious. From that goal, one must work backwards to craft an agenda with intermediate steps and milestones to reach the goal from today’s starting point. While simplistic sounding, that approach imposes self-discipline and creates a guiding “north star.” With that approach, John was able to implement meaningful, permanent change in a variety of areas.

He spearheaded the renovation of the Robinson Park Recreation Center building and most recently the pool. He was able to get monuments installed at the 10 West Walnut Development that established a precedent for acknowledging history, painful as it may be at times. From his Community Swearing-In forward, he lobbied and lobbied and advocated and advocated for the creation of a police oversight commission. Finally in October 2020, the City Council adopted an ordinance that established the Community Police Oversight Commission. A few years ago, he announced an ambitious goal of constructing 1,000 affordable housing units in Pasadena, when that goal was about to be met, he upped the target to 3,000 units. He tirelessly championed and promoted the creation of Pasadena’s first African Sister City. That goal was realized. He launched a tradition of turkey and other food giveaways for his district and beyond at Thanksgiving and a huge annual holiday celebration. He created dual liaisons (field representatives) to expand and enhance community representation. He created a committee to assist him during the Police Oversight process call “We Must Breathe and Where the Holy Meets the Hurting”

As we look forward and think about change, the press plays a vital role. We need an honest conversation about how our local press reports, or fails to report, information. The press must rise to a level of fairness and accuracy commensurate with their First Amendment rights. Unfortunately, people believe what they read. As leading Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels chillingly stated (or spewed), “If you tell a lie enough and keep repeating it. People will eventually come to believe it.” We need the press to be guided by finding the truth, reporting the facts, and telling the truth. Investigative reporting keeps everyone honest and enhances the functioning of our democracy. Repeating untruths and disseminating misinformation harms communities and people’s reputations. The press knows better, and our communities deserve better.

Another essential element of change entails making people aware of their power and influence. We need to hold ourselves, each other, and our elected official accountable. It is not enough to complain; change requires work. Work includes voting as well as attending council meetings, community meetings, neighborhood association meetings, environmental meetings, and commission meetings, and other meetings that address quality of life issues. We should consider serving on nonprofit boards as well as city, county, and state commissions. By having conversations with neighbors and other community members, we can find common ground and shared interests that provide the basis for trust, which allows for working together.

We must remind our Elected Officials that they represent not only their respective, but their decision impact us all. People need to understand their power and realize their destiny is in their hands.

Going forward, there were several key issues that John saw as important:

710 Freeway Stub Reclamation. John hoped that when the city regains ownership of the 710-freeway stub, the largely Black population that was displaced by the freeway stub construction meaningfully participates in the reclamation of the site. Affordable Housing. John believed that rent control is a good idea, but a bad proposal. It is not that he did not want people to live comfortably as renters – absolutely he did. His bedrock desire was to enable as many as people who wanted to live in Pasadena to be able to afford to do – particularly those who grew up in Pasadena. John worked hard for constructing more affordable units, which he believed was a better solution with fewer externalities than rent control. Additionally, he hoped that as many people as possible with the means and desire would become homeowners and take control of their housing destinies.

Plaque in front of Jackie Robinson house. John was working with the city to install an historical marker in front of the house on Pepper Street where Jackie Robinson and his family lived. The small and almost-invisible plaque on the sidewalk is hard to find and John wanted a true historical sign that would explain who Jackie was and why he was an important part of Pasadena and national history.

Additionally, John identified many other broad areas of needed change. Our education system needs to change to ensure that everyone receives a quality education and training for their respective futures. Our political system needs change to ensure everyone truly receives representation and has their voice heard. Job opportunities for minorities and other marginalized groups need to increase. As we think about these issues and others, we should remember that no ethnicity, gender, or religion holds a monopoly on excellence.

As additional problems and challenges arise in the future, how will we view and attempt to solve them? I hope we apply a “John J. Kennedy Master Class approach.” That approach requires that we all be vigilant in asking who will or will not benefit, whose voice is or is not heard in the planning process, and do we have processes in place to ensure fundamental fairness for all. In so doing, we can honor John’s memory most appropriately by continuing his work.

I close with this final thought: the most important commodity is Human Capital – Councilmember John lived that with every decision he made.

Being in the news industry, The Outlook has covered thousands of events through the years. Perhaps my most fond memory of Pasadena City Councilman John J. Kennedy was at his annual Turkey Giveaway.

John has always been a champion of families and children who may not have as much as others. John’s turkeys each December would

Charlie Plowman

always be a hit with those families, giving them the opportunity for a wonderful holiday meal.

But every bit as rewarding was seeing the HUGE smile on John’s face as he gave the turkeys to these families. That gigantic smile spoke volumes about how genuinely happy John would be when he could help others. It was a credo

James Macpherson

Dear Lena: As a reporter over the years, I saw John many times in many circumstances and came to admire him and always enjoyed seeing him – especially when he was in one of his ebullient moods!

But much more powerful to me than these recollections are my remembrances of John J. Kennedy’s extraordinary ability to make a person feel special and respected, and that ability is something rare and unforgettable. In my work I meet and speak with a lot of people, some of whom hold office and as was John, are busy, important, and well-respected. But few impart that focused, attentive hold on listeners when they speak, as did John.

John was always so sincere, concise, and heartfelt in his words to me and in his manner towards me. I always felt that I, my thoughts, and concerns really mattered to him and that conferred upon them his focused attention. I miss him greatly and will never, ever forget John J. Kennedy.

With my deepest condolences,

– James Macpherson, Pasadena

Now that he lived by and almost certainly one of the key reasons why he was a public servant. It will be a lasting legacy of our Councilman. Praise the Lord that thousands of people are blessed to have benefitted from his generosity.

– Charlie Plowman, Publisher, Outlook News Group

Heartfelt tributes poured in from everywhere after hearing of the sudden death of beloved Pasadena District 3 Councilmember John J. Kennedy.